Microsoft now wants to take charge for security updates/patches...

[Ilwrath]

Gates goes on to state that Microsoft is looking at charging for some of its software updates that it now distributes for free.

That'd be great... If it weren't for the fact that the damn software needs to be updated every couple days because of the latest security flaw.  And, of course, the patch is only available for the latest version of everything.  So you have your choice.  Old, insecure, and sometimes buggy, with no piece of mind, or new, insecure, and often buggy, but at least you know you're "current", for what that's worth.  

I had enough of the Microsoft update treadmill a while back.  Linux powers most everything for me now, except my video game addiction.

[Ilwrath]

@Waccoon-

I believe that applies to accessory updates, like new versions of IE, Windows Media Player, and so on. You know, new versions that have more bugs and security problems than older versions. I *seriously* doubt this applies to any kind of critical update.

The problem is that Microsoft rolls the SECURITY updates INTO feature-updates.  For example, many times the only security update available for a product is go to the next feature release.  If the next feature release is charged for... Well, it's essentially then the question of...  do you pay up, or do you go lax on the security?  Gee...  Thanks.

[Ilwrath]

Doobrey-

I can`t wait to ditch Windows, I`ve had enough.

The trouble is, what system do I switch over to for my main workhorse??
Linux? it`s a nice stable OS, but it`s a pain in the neck to keep upto date, or get drivers for new HW.

Honestly, the newer flavors of Linux aren't as bad.  Drivers are much less a problem than they used to be.  Granted, there's lots of hardware that still isn't properly supported, but most key things are pretty good.  Printers, mice, scanners* (if you choose one specifically listed as supported by the SANE system), video cards (ATi/nVidia), USB Storage devices, standard sound-cards, network cards, etc. are all pretty solid and easy.  My strange arsenal of joysticks still causes many problems, of course.

As for updates...  Heck, I run RedHat 9, and it's easier to update than any system I've used.  The RedHat Network is kind of a neat idea, and you get a free single-machine home-use license.  It works kind of like a Windows update, in that it goes out and queries a server on what can be updated... But it doesn't run off and do things on it's own.  You get to tell it to update or ignore certain packages, etc.  Plus it gives some quick notes, and things.  

Or, if that is too close to Windows update for your comfort, you can install APT and the Synaptic GUI for the coolest software updater/installer I've ever seen.  It puts the Windows world to shame.  A single GUI to logically manage network installs and updates.  Plus, it can also figure out which packages you have already installed that have updates are available for.  (even if the packages themselves were originally installed outside APT)